There is still time to support local charities by donating towards 2016's Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim.

The counting of donations has begun for the charity swim held on Christmas Day which saw more than 200 hundred swimmers take part.

The event, hosted by Sentinel Leisure Trust, is raising money for Waveney Gymnastics Club, Pathways Care Farm, Waveney Deaf Children's Society, Marina Theatre Trust, Lowestoft Thursday Club, Ollies Heroes, Brian Gallagher Football Fund, Lowestoft Lions, Lowestoft Lifeguard Volunteer Corp and St Johns Ambulance.

Matt Stebbings, Sport and Business Development officer at Sentinel Leisure Trust, said: 'There is still time to get the last few monies in or even encourage a friend or family member to donate. We need all the help we can get to raise the much needed money for the local charities who are benefitting from the swim.

'A big thank you to every swimmer who officially registered and donated to the local causes and to all the spectators who donated in the buckets supporting the event and cheering the swimmers on.'

Mr Stebbings added: 'Thanks to the beneficiaries who helped with the bucket collections on the day. Finally a massive thanks goes to all the volunteers who give up their Christmas Day to ensure the swim happens. Next year is the 40th year so we are aiming for a bigger total. We will update with the final total in February.'

All donations and sponsorship form monies are to be brought to Waterlane Leisure Centre, Lowestoft by the January 31.

Any photos of the event that anyone wants to share can be sent to matt.stebbings@sentinellt.co.uk.